Kansas football: Good news for the Jayhawk defense
By Stan Unruh
Coach David Beaty and the Kansas football program heard some good news Wednesday. Defensive tackle Daniel Wise will return for his senior season.
After losing defensive end Dorance Armstrong to the NFL draft last week, I expected Daniel Wise to follow him. The clock was ticking on the mid-January deadline to declare for the draft. I was very disappointed but happy for Armstrong. I still believe he needs another year of Big 12 play. On the other hand, each player’s situation is unique and today’s student athletes can’t wait to get a professional paycheck.
Daniel Wise used his social media account to report the good news. “Unfinished Business,” it said. That said so much about Wise and the Kansas football program. There is so much unfinished business and he wants to contribute. The Jayhawk football program needs him. Coach David Beaty and Defensive Coordinator Clint Bowen’s prayers were answered in a big (6-foot-3, 290-pound) way.
Other thank Jayhawk linebacker Joe Dineen, nobody had a better season on defense than Daniel Wise. He started all 12 games of the difficult 2017 season and recorded 7 quarterback sacks and five quarterback hurries. The seven sacks were the fourth best total in the Big 12 Conference. That stat alone is significant but there is more.
Wise also had 31 solo tackles, was in on a total of 53 tackles and was in on 16 tackles for loss during the season. Only four Big 12 player had more tackles for loss last season than Wise. As a matter of fact, the total was 11th best among all FBS defensive players. That stats impressed conference coaches so much they voted him to the All Big 12 First team. The Associated Press also named Wise to their All Big 12 second team.
Cannot put into words how valuable Daniel is to our program—an outstanding leader with a tremendous work ethic and an infectious personality!! It’s an honor to be your coach—Looking forward to seeing you out there in the Crimson and Blue again in 2018 @wisejayhawk!! #RockChalk https://t.co/iaaF77HICn
— David Beaty (@beaty_david) January 11, 2018
Next: Dreaming of a KU football bowl game
After one of the best seasons of any defensive lineman in the conference, Wise is set to do even more in 2018. This will make him even more valuable in the NFL. I know it’s difficult waiting for the payday. On the other hand, in most instances it is best to wait. Basketball is a different game. However, Kansas fans see how basketball star Frank Mason benefited from waiting.